FIGO good practice recommendations on preconception care: A strategy to prevent preterm birth

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Maternal and Child Health
• Public Health Policy

Background:

• Preterm birth (PTB) is a major cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity globally.
• Existing prevention strategies are limited by high rates of unplanned pregnancies.
• Current care models often focus on pregnancy rather than the woman's overall health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To advocate for a woman-centered approach in preconception care.
• To promote the integration of baby-centered assessments into preconception care.
• To identify and manage modifiable risk factors for preterm birth.

Main Methods:

• Review of current practices and recommendations for preconception care.
• Emphasis on integrating medical, obstetric, nutritional, infectious, psychological, and socio-environmental assessments.
• Advocacy for evidence-based interventions and policy changes.

Main Results:

• A woman-centered, baby-centered assessment model can enhance early identification of PTB risk factors.
• Addressing modifiable risk factors across multiple domains is crucial for PTB prevention.
• Policy and advocacy are essential for equitable access to preconception services.

Conclusions:

• Shifting to woman-centered care with integrated baby-centered assessments is vital for effective PTB prevention.
• Comprehensive management of risk factors during the preconception period can significantly reduce PTB rates.
• Policy initiatives are needed to ensure widespread access to improved preconception care.